Hello from Belize! I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and that your New Year’s celebrations went well. It is always such a joyous occasion to begin a new year. It doesn’t matter what the previous year looked like; January brings an opportunity to set new goals and the opportunity to work harder.
We reflect on the year 2019, and we do so with great joy. It was a full year that allowed us to be stretched and challenged in many ways. We had six different missions teams visit us. Each group was a blessing in their own way. The Lord knew we needed the fellowship and help of all those who chose to be a help to our ministry. We learned so much as we watched each team work hard and sacrifice to be a blessing here in Belize. In 2019, our church also added more missionaries to support, bringing our total to 11.
One of the biggest blessings from 2019 was the arrival of our fourth child and first boy, Timothy Israel Alvarez. He arrived on November 7, a full two weeks after his due date. He is just the sweetest and happiest baby around. Thank you for praying for Tonya. The delivery went well, and Tonya was able to go home with Baby Tim only a few hours after the birth.
In December, we had a special month packed with many activities and outreaches. That month we saw 40 people saved and 3 people baptized. In our mission church, Faith Baptist Church in Corozal, the new converts have been growing in their faith. We have moved buildings, and many of the people have volunteered to help with painting and cleaning up the new rental space. Continue to pray for this church plant.
I have a unique prayer request. This year I would like to be able to help three young men from my church go into full-time ministry. These young men volunteer tirelessly here at both churches. They are soul winners with a desire to serve God with their lives. I would like to hire them here as assistants. I believe with them here full-time, we can do more and more for the cause of Christ. Eventually, these men will go on to start churches, hopefully, here in Belize. We are still working on the details, but if you would be interested in being a sponsor of one of these young men, I can be reached by email at israel.alvarez@fbmi.org or by phone at USA 011 (501) 629-4448.
We have been blessed by all of you through your prayers and support. We also want to thank every church and every individual for supporting us. We count it a privilege to be your missionaries. Please continue to pray for us as we reach this country with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In Christ,
Israel and Tonya Alvarez